Dartford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo by Kieran Hatton
The birthplace of music legend Mick Jagger is also known for its old churches and huge modern shopping mall.

As a town with religious and cultural importance, Dartford has many charming churches and museums. Its most famous tourist attraction, however, is the Bluewater Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in Europe.

Catch a bus from Dartford centre to reach the Bluewater mall east of town. Browse more than 300 stores then enjoy the mall’s many attractions. Play mini golf and ride pedalos on a man-made lake at the Pirate Cove Adventure Park. Parents can take a break at the Bluewater mall’s day spa. 

Head back in to Dartford to visit The Mick Jagger Centre, which hosts community arts performances and live music concerts. The famous Rolling Stones lead singer was born in Dartford and used to sing in the local church choir. Enjoy a day out at the 26-acre (10-hectare) Central Park, just south of Dartford centre. Admire the colourful flowerbeds that bloom in spring and relax by the River Darent, which runs through the park.

Learn about the town’s origins at the Dartford Borough Museum on the edge of Central Park. 

Uncover the religious and historic sides of Dartford. The most well known of the town’s churches is the Holy Trinity, which was built in 1080. Find blue plaques scattered around the town that celebrate historic events and people. See the inn where famous novelist Jane Austen stayed in the early 19th century.

Visit the Manor Gate House north of Dartford. The manor was built in 1541 by King Henry VIII for his personal use and lies just south of the River Thames. Cross the river on one of Europe’s largest cable-supported bridges, The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. On the north side, locate the Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve to take scenic walks and spot birds and other wildlife.At the end of your day of sight seeing, attend a play or musical at The Orchard Theatre.

Dartford is located on the banks of the River Darent in the northwest region of Kent. Take a 40-minute train ride from the centre of London to discover the town’s many charms.

Where to stay in Dartford

Wilmington

Spas and restaurants are some things travellers note about Wilmington. Check out Crayford Greyhound Track or Orchard Theatre while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Wilmington

Crayford

Crayford might not have many top sights, but Crayford Greyhound Track and Orchard Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Crayford
Corus Hyde Park Hotel
Corus Hyde Park Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Lancaster Gate, 1-7, London, England
The price is Rp2.002.636 per night from 26 May to 27 May
Rp2.002.636
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
7.2/10 Good! (1,811 reviews)
Good hotel!
"Pleased stay!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Corus Hyde Park Hotel
The Tower Hotel, London
The Tower Hotel, London
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is Rp2.423.358 per night from 26 May to 27 May
Rp2.423.358
per night
26 May - 27 May
Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,702 reviews)
Very nice conveniently located hotel
"Nice hotel, easy access to tourist hop on hop off bus, right next to Tower of London. Rooms are very nice with either a view of Katherine's Harbor or the Thames. Concierge was very helpful with all requests. I would definayely stay therebagain."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

The Tower Hotel, London
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is Rp3.275.741 per night from 26 May to 27 May
Rp3.275.741
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,213 reviews)
"Good location, easy to get a taxi!"

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Strand Palace Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cove Landmark Pinnacle
Cove Landmark Pinnacle
4 out of 5
15 Westferry Rd, London, England
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (248 reviews)
"Excellent location for the Marathon. 10 minute walk to shopping, dining, tube etc. it was super quiet and staff was super friendly and helpful. Will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Cove Landmark Pinnacle
Bermonds Locke
Bermonds Locke
4.5 out of 5
157 Tower Bridge Road, London, England
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (354 reviews)
"We loved the amenities available."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Bermonds Locke
Leman Locke
Leman Locke
4 out of 5
15 Leman St, London, England
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,336 reviews)
"Getting around was very easy. Train station two minutes away. Grocery stores and restaurants right there. We loved having the kitchen so we could make a quick breakfast or lunch some days."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Leman Locke
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dartford

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 17.391304347826086%
4 - Good
22
" "4 - Good 47.82608695652174%
3 - Okay
13
" "3 - Okay 28.26086956521739%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 4.3478260869565215%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2.1739130434782608%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
20 Feb 2020

Nothing really around and tube wasn’t very close

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Jan 2020

Room lights are a bit dim. We went there to attend a party. And could not put my make up on properly as lights are not bright enough. There is a big mirror but would help if there is a make up mirror in the toilet . There is a table in the room but

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Nov 2019

Only at weekends easy reachable

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019

Stayed one night whilst visiting Brands Hatch. We were impressed with the amount there was in easy walking distance. Very convenient for visiting so many places.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
27 Aug 2019

Dartford wasn't the purpose of my visit so I can't rely say what I thought about Dartford

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
11 Aug 2019

Dirty and noisy.

Cities near Dartford